Peru’s Prime Minister Under Investigation for Possible Corruption

Peru’s National Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a preliminary inquiry into Alberto Otárola, the country’s Prime Minister.

The charge is potential collusion involving misuse of state funds. The office announced this probe through social media.

They suspect Otárola instigated corrupt activities in a government agency called Devida.

This investigation follows a recent TV report. The show, “Panorama,” aired on September 17. It claimed Rosa Rivera Bermeo got service orders from Devida.

She received 54,000 soles, equivalent to around 14,000 dollars. This happened shortly after meeting Otárola on March 2.

Two more officials are also under scrutiny. Carlos Figueroa heads Devida. Martín Villafuerte serves as its general manager.

The prosecution suspects both of simple and serious collusion. Rosa Rivera is also being probed as a possible accomplice in the case.

Local media highlights an interesting fact. Rivera met Otárola for more than 30 minutes on March 2. Shortly after, she landed contracts worth 27,000 soles each, or around 7,000 dollars.

Another person, Yaziré Pinedo, is also drawing attention. She allegedly benefited after meeting Otárola last December.

She received orders from the Defense Ministry, totaling 53,000 soles, or approximately 13,900 dollars.

The prosecutor’s team is gathering evidence. They conducted searches on September 19. Locations included the Prime Minister’s office, Devida, and the Ministry of Defense.

Denies any Wrongdoing

Alberto Otárola gave an interview to a local radio station. He denies any wrongdoing. He assures there are no irregularities in Rivera’s and Pinedo’s hirings.

Furthermore, Otárola says he can vouch for both individuals. He insists meetings held from December 2022 to March 2023 had specific agendas.

These did not relate to later service orders, he adds. Lastly, he firmly states that he is not corrupt.

To sum up, the investigation is still in the initial stages. No one has been formally charged yet. Nonetheless, the outcome could have significant implications.

It comes at a time when Peru is grappling with governance issues and public trust in officials is low.